Relationship of kyphosis with balance and walking ability in the elderly

Abstract

A round back, what it is called a hump back, is frequently seen in the elderly people. A round back is thought to influence balance and gait ability, but we could not find a report of how the level of round back influences them. In this study, we measured vertebral column alignment using a Spinal Mouse, balance ability (by one-foot standing with eyes open) and gait ability (10 m walking time and 3 minutes walking distance) of 28 elderly people (5 men and 23 women, mean age 79.2). The results showed a significant correlation between round back and balance ability. It was confirmed that when the angle of anterior inclination of the trunk and the degree of round back was bigger, balance and gait agility declined, suggesting the need for assessments which include posture.